The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has condemned Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s decision to shut down the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, calling it an admission of failure in addressing insecurity in the state.

The criticism followed a government directive ordering the immediate closure of the institution, citing escalating security threats in the area. The directive was contained in an internal memo dated January 20, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology.

Signed by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Kawu, the memo instructed the college management to suspend all academic activities immediately. It stated that the closure was “in the best interest of the safety and security of staff, students, and the surrounding community” and would remain in effect pending a comprehensive security review and further government directives.

Reacting to the closure, the Kwara PDP accused the AbdulRazaq administration of yielding to insecurity rather than confronting it. In a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, the PDP said the action demonstrated that the government had “no coherent strategy for tackling insecurity” and was effectively surrendering to criminal elements.

“The directive to shut down the College of Education, Oro, under the guise of insecurity is a loud confession of failure. It shows that the government has run out of ideas and is surrendering public institutions to criminals,” the party said.

The PDP highlighted the college’s role as the educational and economic backbone of Kwara South, warning that its closure would exacerbate hardship for residents. “Education must not become a casualty of insecurity. A government claiming to address security challenges cannot justify closing schools while markets and other public places remain open,” the statement added.

The opposition party further criticized the governor’s leadership, alleging that insecurity had worsened due to his absence from the state. “The worsening security situation is a direct consequence of a leadership vacuum. If the Governor cannot protect lives and property, honour demands that he steps aside instead of shutting down the future of our children,” the PDP said.

The party also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders in Kwara South to speak out against what it described as a dangerous precedent. “This decision threatens not only education but also the economic stability of the region. Stakeholders must act to prevent insecurity from destroying the future of our youths,” the statement said.

The closure of the college comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Kwara South and North, where several communities have recently experienced banditry, kidnappings, and other criminal activities. It also follows precautionary measures by the state government, including the relocation of the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp from Yikpata to Ilorin and the temporary shutdown of schools in other volatile areas.